Backyard Biodiversity

• Do you live in the Kyneton township? Renting? No worries - Backyard Biodiversity can be tailored to suit your needs.
• Want to attract more wildlife to your backyard?
• Have a space in your backyard you'd like to convert into a habitat?

If you answered yes...

Let's grow! Join us at our launch event on 22 March, from 1-2pm, at Kyneton Community House.

Register

Apply to become part of our Kyneton pilot program. If successful, you will:

1. Attend a workshop on 17 May 2025 in Kyneton to learn how to create backyard habitats.
2. Book a 45-60 minute consultation with our garden designer for your personalised hand-drawn design. The design will be for a maximum space of 3x3m or 9m2.
3. Pick up your box of 10-15 plants. Plants are provided once your plan has been created and specific species discussed.
4. Observe with your before and after photos. Sit back and enjoy your backyard come to life with new wildlife visitors.

Applications open 22 March 2025.

A native garden supports local wildlife by providing food, shelter, and habitat for birds, insects, and other species. It conserves water, requires less maintenance, and thrives in our climate. Native plants also promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and create beautiful, sustainable spaces that connect to the natural environment, contributing to healthier ecosystems and vibrant communities.

Urban and suburban spaces play a critical role in supporting biodiversity and wildlife by offering habitats, resources, and ecological connectivity in areas that are often heavily modified by human activity. Here’s how your backyard can contribute:

Providing Habitat

• Parks, gardens, backyards, and community green spaces can serve as mini-ecosystems for local wildlife.
• Trees provide nesting sites, shade and food for birds, insects and animals.
• Trees, shrubs and groundcovers reduce heat in your backyard making it cooler for both us and wildlife.

Supporting Pollinators

• Flowering native plants offer nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
• Native species provide shelter in an urban environment and can include bee hotels, hollow logs or water features for insects and birds.
• Adding water sources to your backyard helps wildlife during droughts or dry spells.

Wildlife corridors

• Whilst urbanisation reduces natural habitat, backyards, courtyards and even balconies can act as stepping stones allowing animals to move between larger natural habitats.
• Neighbouring properties can create and connect wildlife corridors for many species using  nest boxes, water features.

• Use locally native plants – building a garden of local indigenous species ensures that you are catering for birds in the local region and supporting local plant genetics. Locally native plants are also easier to grow as the climate and soil conditions best support these species. See creating a bird friendly garden for a few locally native species to consider.
• Supply a source of water – birds require a regular source of water. A bowl is sufficient for small birds. It is important to keep the water topped up as the birds will rely on it.
• Provide leaf litter – rake leaves under trees and shrubs as this encourages insects and worms. It also provides an excellent source of nutrients for your plants.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and pesticides – these can be harmful to birds and will lead to reduced diversity of insects which are a primary source of protein for birds.
• Hollowed logs and fallen branches – loose timber provides shelter for small lizards and native mammals. Logs also provide birds with cover from predators and places to search for food.
• Cats – keep your cat inside or consider an outdoor cat enclosure, particularly after dark. It is also advised to have a bell on your cat’s collar which can alert birds of their presence.

If you would like to find out more about local bird species, see our fact sheet Common Birds of the Macedon Ranges.